In the study of Huangpu Yi, two men stood with their hands clasped behind their backs. Every move they made exuded an air of authority and dominance. This was the demeanor of true强者—powerful figures whose mere presence commanded respect without anger.
“You mean to say that your Huangpu Clan allowed Yu Fan to enter the Cold Water Ravine?”
After listening to Huangpu Yi finish speaking, Situ Lingyu subtly furrowed his brows. Although he didn’t know the specifics of the hidden forbidden grounds of the Huangpu Clan, he understood that any place labeled as a “forbidden zone” must be fraught with danger.
“I’m not entirely sure what methods the Tan family used, but many within the Huangpu Clan have leaned toward aligning with them. Sending Yu Fan into the Cold Water Ravine was truly a reluctant decision.”
Huangpu Yi remained calm in the face of Situ Lingyu’s slight anger. If he knew that his own grandson had been sent into such a perilous place, he might have reacted even more strongly. Besides, Xiao Yufan was undoubtedly a source of pride for the Silver Fox, Situ Lingyu.
“Do you really think a simple ‘reluctant decision’ is enough to placate me? I thought you had invited me here to share some good news. If this is all you have to say, then perhaps there’s no need for further discussion.”
Situ Lingyu’s expression darkened, a glint of coldness flashing in the corner of his eyes. He and Huangpu Yi weren’t particularly close, and if Xiao Yufan were to suffer any misfortune, he wouldn’t hesitate to go to war between the Tian Alliance and the hidden Huangpu Clan.
“Brother Lingyu, don’t be in such a rush. Actually, the Cold Water Ravine isn’t as dangerous as you imagine. Besides, that young man might one day become Xian’er’s husband. How could I possibly place him in a life-threatening situation?”
If anyone else had spoken to him this way, Huangpu Yi would have shown no mercy. But this was the Silver Fox, and that was a different matter entirely. No matter how one looked at it, he had no desire to see the Silver Fox and his Tian Alliance opposing the hidden Huangpu Clan.
“If what you say is true, then how could the Cold Water Ravine’s frigid energy, which even凝气-level experts find difficult to endure, possibly leave Yu Fan unscathed? Could it be that the Clan Leader himself is deceiving me?”
Situ Lingyu naturally understood Xiao Yufan’s abilities very well. Although the young man had entered the凝气 stage, his strength was still far from that of a true expert. In a place like the Cold Water Ravine, he wouldn’t survive for very long at all.
“Then tell me, do you know what level of strength he’s reached now?”
As if recalling something, Huangpu Yi finally asked this question. Initially, when Xiao Yufan first appeared in the Huangpu Clan, his internal energy had been completely scattered, making it impossible even for him to determine the young man’s exact cultivation level. According to the two people who had rescued him, Xiao Yufan had only been at the凝气 stage.
Yet how could someone at the Qi Condensation stage rapidly ascend to the mid-level of Qi Gathering in such a short time, standing just a step away from its peak?
“Wasn’t Yu Fan only at the early Qi Condensation stage before? Could it be that he has already broken through to a higher level now?”
Situ Lingyu paused, puzzled by Huangpu Yi’s words. He was very familiar with Xiao Yufan’s strength at the凝气 stage. Of course, due to his birth circumstances and physical constitution, Xiao Yufan had started cultivating later than most, which was also a fact.
“He really was at the凝气 stage!” Huangpu Yi was somewhat astonished himself. If that were the case, then Xiao Yufan had leaped from凝气 to mid-level凝劲 in less than a month. Such rapid progress could only be described as terrifying.
“What if I told you that he’s now at the mid-level of refining his energy and will soon reach its peak? Would you believe me?”
Meeting Situ Lingyu’s confused gaze, Huangpu Yi continued, this time with a hint of admiration in his tone. At present, reaching凝气was considered merely average in terms of talent within the secluded Huangpu Clan. However, attaining凝劲was something that only the most gifted could achieve.
“Mid-level Qi凝聚?”
Situ Lingyu inhaled sharply. Although he himself had long surpassed that stage, he knew all too well how much more difficult it was to advance from Ning Qi to Ning Jing than most imagined. Yet Huangpu Yi was now telling him that Xiao Yufan had already become a Ning Jing-level expert. How could he not be shocked?
“Surprised, aren’t you? Such progress would even make you, the Silver Fox, feel envious!”
Huangpu Yi shook his head. Why was it that such extraordinary talents were born into the Situ family? The Silver Fox Lingyu, Situ Yonghui, Xiao Yufan—each of them was a genius beyond compare.
“My grandson will surpass even me. You can only watch and imagine. But if you’re willing to let your granddaughter become my grandson’s woman, then we’ll be family in the future!”
Caught up in his sudden excitement, Situ Lingyu nearly forgot the serious matter at hand. Xiao Yufan’s progress had clearly delighted him greatly. It was indeed true that there were no mediocres in the Situ family.
“You mean to say you’re not worried about your grandson’s safety at all?”
Used to Situ Lingyu’s manner, Huangpu Yi showed no unusual reaction. However, the old man’s bluntness did make him a bit uncomfortable. After all, he believed that each generation should manage its own affairs.
“Nonsense! He’s my only grandson, of course I’m worried. But from what you’ve said, Yu Fan doesn’t seem to be in any real danger, right?”
At the mention of Xiao Yufan, Situ Lingyu’s smile immediately faded. His grandson was still in the Cold Water Ravine, and naturally, he was deeply concerned. Even if Xiao Yufan had broken through to the mid-level of凝劲, could he really survive unscathed in such extreme cold?
“I can sense a warm current within his body that can resist the cold of the Cold Water Ravine. And if anything were to happen to him, I would feel it immediately. Rescuing him at that point wouldn’t be too difficult.”
At this, Situ Lingyu relaxed slightly. As long as Xiao Yufan didn’t suffer any serious mishaps, allowing him to undergo some trials would be beneficial. After all, even the strongest power must be tempered through hardship to be truly effective.
“I suppose you old foxes have calculated everything carefully, haven’t you?”
Seeing the smile on Huangpu Yi’s face, Situ Lingyu chuckled. Something about this old fox seemed suspicious, as if he were scheming something. It felt like sending Xiao Yufan into the Cold Water Ravine concealed some hidden agenda.
“You flatter me. As the Silver Fox, you always seem to see through everything. But how could I possibly outwit you?”
Huangpu Yi didn’t mind being called an old fox. After all, the Silver Fox had every right to speak that way. Besides, he had been the one to send the other’s grandson into the Cold Water Ravine, so he felt somewhat guilty.
“Go ahead, tell me—what other secrets does this Cold Water Ravine hold? Or perhaps you’ve entrusted my grandson, whom you supposedly trust, with some important task?”
His expression now more relaxed, Situ Lingyu no longer felt the need to stay tense as long as Xiao Yufan was safe. He was also very curious about what exactly this old fox from the Huangpu Clan was planning.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage